Practical training – a direct link to working life

Targeted learning

A practical training period is a guided and goal-oriented learning experience that allows students to develop their professional knowledge and constitutes a study section that is assessed as pass or fail. During the internship, students have the opportunity to both perform work and observe others.
Just as all our programmes have their own profile, the practical training periods are very different in the various sectors. Both the length and the proportion of practical training within the different programmea vary greatly. However, a common feature of all practical training is that there is always a responsible teacher at the UAS and usually a supervisor in the workplace.

Do you want to offer practical training?

At Arcada, practical training periods are included as an element of the studies in all Bachelor's degree programmes. Therefore, a network of partners in different sectors of society is central for both our students and us. When you offer practical training to one of our students, you provide an opportunity to develop and refine the knowledge practised in theory or in a simulation environment. At the same time, you and your organisation will make valuable connections with tomorrow's experts and learn about the latest developments in your field.

Hosting a trainee usually requires a workplace supervisor who takes responsibility for the trainee and their learning. In addition, the health and social care sector have specific requirements for the supervisor, as the supervisor should always represent the profession of the specific practical training period.

The supervisor

The supervisor is a professional in his/her field who introduces and guides the trainee in the work of the unit or workplace. Their role is to support the trainee's professional development and learning process during the traineeship and to inspire and motivate them.
On this page you will find tips and advice on how to effectively supervise your trainee.

Get the most out of the practical training period

Here are some basic tips for a successful traineeship.

Before the practical training period

Draw up a practical training agreement and ask for the trainee's approved plan with objectives for the practical training. The practical training plan is the basis for the supervision and evaluation. In some fields, separate agreements are rarely made, but there are clear directives on content that serve as a guideline for the practical training.

You are a key player even before the start of the practical training. To ensure that the trainee has the best possible introduction to the job and workplace, it is important that the whole work community is well prepared. Even before the trainee starts, tell them about the trainees role and when they start. Also remember to tell them about your role as a supervisor and what it entails.

It is good to have a clear plan before the start of the practical training. Consider the following when planning:

The length of the placement.
How the trainee will fit into the work community.
The main objectives of the placement.
Tasks that fulfil the objectives. The tasks need to be:
- varied and versatile,
- at an appropriate level of demand,
- achievable under guidance/supervision, and involve observing the work of others.
Reserve time for meetings with the trainee so that they are achievable in the context of your other duties.
Possible salary, collective agreements, etc.

The practical training may include parts that are of particular interest to the trainee, but also other content that the supervisor knows is relevant to the experience and learning.

It is good for the trainee to learn that the work often consists of routine tasks, but they should also gain experience of as many different tasks as possible in the workplace.

During the practical training

During the practical training, the trainee participates in a wide range of activities at the place of work. The tasks are as varied as possible and are carried out both under staff supervision and independently. As the practical training is also intended to provide a first insight into working life and the functioning of a work community, it is important to invite the trainee to participate in different contexts, both formal and informal meetings.

As a supervisor, you have an important responsibility to inform the trainee about the rules
and possible risks in the workplace.

The trainee should receive regular guidance, feedback and feedback on their performance throughout the traineeship.

Remember to:

Provide tasks that offer opportunities for development.
Not leave the trainee alone without a stated/defined task.
Be encouraging and make room for tasks where the trainee can experience success.
Give responsibility - start small and let it gradually grow.
Intervene if there is cause for concern or if the trainee's attitude raises questions.
Expect punctuality and adherence to agreements.

Feedback is a key element for a successful practical training

Immediate feedback on their work in everyday situations helps the trainee to assess their performance and interaction skills. Ideally, it also provides an opportunity to think differently and find different solutions.

Encourage, encourage, encourage.
Remember that you are also conveying attitude, emotions and motivation.
Give constructive and honest feedback on each task
In fields, such as nursing and health care, where a final discussion is to be organised, it is important to reserve enough time for it. Ask the trainee to contact the responsible teacher to agree on participation in the feedback session.

Be prepared to answer questions and receive feedback. Feel free to also involve other colleagues in supporting the trainee. Not all feedback has to come from you directly, but it can come from others who were present and participated in the work during the day. Just as important as giving feedback is listening to the trainee's questions and being prepared to receive ideas and suggestions. All questions are allowed, which may require patience on your part as some things may seem obvious to you.

Keep in touch with Arcada and the teacher responsible for the practical training. The teacher responsible for the practical training should ensure that you receive sufficient information.

Contact to the university

There is always a responsible teacher at Arcada. The teacher in charge is also your contact person and the person you can turn to in case of uncertainty. Typical cases where you should always contact the responsible teacher are:

if the trainee becomes ill and is away from the internship site for a longer period of time
if the trainee's attitude or behaviour raises questions
if you feel uncertain about something related to the supervision or the tasks the trainee should perform
if you want to discuss other issues related to the internship.

It is important that problems are resolved as soon as possible. For this to happen, it is important that you contact your manager immediately and that you contact the responsible teacher at the university.

After that, it is important that both parties are heard. Once the cause of the problem has been identified, an action plan is drawn up to resolve the situation.

After the practical training period

The overall assessment of the practical training is based on the objectives of the study section, the competences within the area of sudy and the nature of the practical training. The purpose of the evaluation is to support the trainee in their personal and professional development and to assess the impact of their work, their working methods and their own activities.

In several fields, the practical training is approved on the basis of a report in which the student is asked to evaluate his/her own learning, the benefits in relation to the studies. The format of the report varies from sector to sector.

The main purpose of the assessment is to support the trainee's future learning.